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Detroit Public Television to broadcast program honoring Kresge Eminent Artists

Detroit

 

Visitors and residents in downtown Detroit may have noticed a slight seismic rumbling on the evening of January 24, coinciding with the climax of the “Kresge Honors 2019” program at the Masonic Temple’s Jack White Theatre.

Detroit Japanese drum ensemble Raion Taiko and vocalist Mike Ellison had a crowd of about 400 dancing, chanting and clapping along as they closed out the program honoring a decade of Kresge Eminent Artists, and introducing Detroit poet-activist Gloria House as the 11th member of that distinguished group.

For those who missed the live program, Detroit Public Television (WTVS Channel 56) recorded and will broadcast “Kresge Honors 2019” as part of its “Detroit Performs” series at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2019. DPTV also will offer the program via streaming on its website here and here.

“Kresge Honors 2019” assembled nearly 30 performers who paid tribute to each of the first 10 Kresge Eminent Artists through interpretations of their work and testimonies to their influence.

Like the Eminent Artists themselves, the program swept across the artistic spectrum: opera, jazz, rock and blues, poetry, theater, dance and visual artistry. Five of the seven living Eminent Artists were in attendance, as well as family and friends of artists who have passed or could not attend. Kresge President and CEO Rip Rapson served as host, supported by Detroit radio host Ann Delisi and Kresge Senior Communications Officer W. Kim Heron, who offered commentary and interviews between performances.

In addition to the broadcast and streaming, you can follow @DetroitPerforms and @KresgeDetroit on social media for other upcoming viewing options.